Detachable tie down

ABSTRACT

A novel securing device includes a frame having an anchor, a tether coupled to the anchor, and an attachment device coupled to the frame. The attachment device is configured to facilitate selective attachment to a planar surface. In a particular embodiment, the attachment device is a magnetic attachment device. Optionally, the magnetic attachment device is encased between the frame and a cover that prevents scratching of the planar surface to which the device is secured. In another particular embodiment, the attachment device is a suction cup. The magnetic attachment device and the suction cup may be interchangeable.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/782,983, filed on Dec. 20, 2018 by the sameinventor, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to fasteners, and more particularly tocargo securing devices.

Description of the Background Art

Cargo securing devices such as, for example, ratchet straps and cinchstraps are widely used to secure cargo to structures of carryingvehicles (e.g., truck beds, trailers, trailer walls, etc.), or to safelysecure objects to stationary structures (e.g., building walls, beams,etc.). Typically, such devices include hooks and/or loops that engage ananchor (e.g., eyelet, ring, etc.) of the carrying structure. Onechallenge with traditional cargo securing devices is that there must bean available anchor on the structure for the cargo securing device toengage.

What is needed, therefore, is a securing device capable of beingattached to surfaces that do not have existing anchors.

SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the priorart by providing a securing device capable of being attached to surfacesthat do not have existing anchors and/or surfaces to which it isundesirable to affix permanent anchors. The invention facilitates thesecuring of cargo to surfaces including, but not limited to, flatsurfaces and/or ferrous surfaces.

An example cargo securing device includes a frame, a tether, and anattachment device. The frame includes an anchor, and the tether iscoupled to the anchor of the frame. The tether is configured to beremovably attached to an object to be secured. The attachment device iscoupled to the frame, and is configured to be removably attacheddirectly to a planar surface.

In a particular example embodiment, the anchor includes at least a firstaperture formed through the frame. The tether is disposed through thefirst aperture, and the first aperture is configured to position thetether to extend in a first direction. The example securing device canalso include a second tether configured to be removably attached to anobject. The anchor can include at least a second aperture formed throughthe frame, and the second tether can be disposed through the secondaperture. The second aperture can be configured to position the tetherto extend in a second direction, and, in a particular exampleembodiment, the first direction is perpendicular to the seconddirection.

In a more detailed example securing device, the anchor includes a thirdaperture formed through the frame, and the third aperture is alignedwith the first aperture. The tether is disposed through the firstaperture and the third aperture. The anchor also includes a fourthaperture formed through the frame, and the fourth aperture is alignedwith the second aperture. The second tether is disposed through thesecond aperture and the fourth aperture. A portion of the tetherextending between the first and third apertures is perpendicular to aportion of the second tether extending between the second and fourthapertures.

In an example configuration, the tether includes a first portion (e.g.,one end), a second portion (e.g., an opposite end), and an intermediateportion (e.g., the middle) disposed between the first portion and thesecond portion. The intermediate portion of the tether is coupled to theanchor. The tether additionally includes a coupler configured toremovably attach the first portion of the tether to the second portionof the tether. In a particular example securing device, the tether is astrap, and the coupler is a buckle. The buckle has a first portionattached to the first portion of the tether and a complimentary secondportion attached to the second portion of the tether. The position ofthe first portion of the coupler along the first portion of the tetheris adjustable. In addition, the tether is movable with respect to theanchor of the frame (e.g., slides freely through apertures of theanchor) when the tether is coupled to the anchor of the frame.

In an example securing device, wherein the attachment device includes afirst magnet. The attachment device can further include a ferrous shell,which is configured to increase the pulling force of the magnet. Theattachment device can optionally include a second magnet. For example,in an example magnetic attachment device, the first magnet is annularand defines an interior space, and the second magnet is disposed in theinterior space of the first magnet. The second magnet can be in coaxialand/or coplanar alignment with the first magnet.

A particular example securing device additionally includes a coverdisposed over the first magnet to prevent the magnet from scratching theplanar surface to which the securing device is magnetically attached.The cover can be formed out of a material that is softer than the firstmagnet.

An example cover includes a first side and a second side opposite thefirst side. The first side is configured to abut the planar surface, andthe second side defines a recess configured to receive the first magnet.In a particular embodiment, the first magnet is disposed between theframe and the cover. In addition, at least a portion of the cover isdisposed between the first magnet and the frame.

An example frame includes a first side and an opposite second side. Thetether can be coupled to the first side of the frame, and the attachmentdevice can be coupled to the second side of the frame. In a moredetailed example, the frame can be a monolithic structure, and theanchor can include at least one slot formed in the monolithic structure.The tether can be a strap disposed through the at least one slot. Theframe can also include a recess configured to receive the attachmentdevice. Optionally, the frame can be molded plastic.

In a more detailed example securing device, the frame includes acircular base and a cylindrical wall extending from a circumferentialedge of the circular base. The cylindrical wall and a first surface ofthe circular base define a receiving space configured to receive theattachment device. The attachment device includes a ferrous shell and anannular magnet. The ferrous shell has a circular base and a cylindricalwall extending from a circumferential edge of the circular base. A firstsurface of the circular base and the cylindrical wall of the ferrousshell define a receiving space configured to receive the annular magnettherein. The anchor includes a raised bridge structure extending from asecond side of the circular base of the frame opposite the first side.The annular magnet is fixed within the receiving space of the ferrousshell, and the attachment device is fixed within the receiving space ofthe frame.

The example securing device can additionally include a cover including acircular base and a cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall extends froma circumferential edge of the circular base of the cover. Together, thecylindrical wall of the cover and a first surface of the circular baseof the cover define a receiving space, which is configured to closelyreceive the attachment device therein. The cover includes a contactsurface opposite the first surface of the circular base, and the contactsurface is disposed to abut the planar surface when the attachmentdevice magnetically engages the planar surface through the cover. Acircumference of the cylindrical wall of the cover is smaller than acircumference of the cylindrical wall of the frame, and thecircumference of the cylindrical wall of the cover is larger than acircumference of the cylindrical wall of the ferrous shell. Thedifferent circumferences of the cylindrical walls allow the cylindricalwall of the cover to be disposed between the cylindrical wall of theferrous shell and the cylindrical wall of the frame, when the cover, theframe, and the attachment device are coupled together. In addition, theattachment device is disposed between the circular base of the of theframe and the circular base of the cover, when the cover, the frame, andthe attachment device are coupled together.

Optionally, the attachment device can include a suction cup instead of,or selectively interchangeable with, the first magnet. For example, theattachment device can include a suction cup. The magnet can beselectively removable from the frame, and the suction cup can beconfigured to be selectively attached to the frame when the magnet isremoved from the frame. The magnet can also be configured to beselectively reattached to the frame when the suction cup is removed fromthe frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described with reference to the followingdrawings, wherein like reference numbers denote substantially similarelements:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of cargo being secured to a flat surface bya cargo securing device;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the cargo securingdevice of FIG. 1, including a magnetic attachment device;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the magneticattachment device and frame of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the cargo securing device of FIG. 1assembled;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic attachment device andframe of FIG. 1, taken along line A-A of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded, front perspective view of a portion ofan alternate securing device;

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded, rear perspective view of the frame, themagnet cover, and the magnetic device of FIG. 6, partially exploded;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the frame, the magnet cover, and themagnet device of FIG. 6, taken along line B-B of FIG. 7 (whenassembled);

FIG. 9 is an exploded, rear perspective view of the cargo securingdevice of FIG. 1 including an optional suction cup attachment device;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the frame and the suction cupof FIG. 9 (assembled), taken along line C-C of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart summarizing a method of manufacturing a cargosecuring device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the priorart, by providing a securement device (e.g., a tie down) configured tobe attached to planar surfaces. In the following description, numerousspecific details are set forth (e.g., magnet shape, buckle type, etc.)in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize, however, that the invention may bepracticed apart from these specific details. In other instances, detailsof well-known manufacturing practices (e.g., molding, material weaving,etc.) and components have been omitted, so as not to unnecessarilyobscure the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a securing device 100 securing an objectto a planar surface. In this example, the object being secured by device100 is a pressurized gas bottle 102, and the planar surface to which itis secured is a wall of a truck bed 104. Device 100 is shown attacheddirectly to the planar interior wall of truck bed 104, which includes aferrous material, via a magnet (shown in FIG. 2), but may optionally besecured thereto via a suction cup (shown in FIG. 9).

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of device 100 disassembled. Device 100includes a tether 200, a frame 202, and an attachment device 204, which,in this example, is a magnetic device. When assembled, tether 200 isattached to a first side of frame 202 and attachment device 204 isattached to, or housed within, an opposite second side of frame 202.

Tether 200 is configured to secure objects such as, for example, cargoto frame 202. In this example, tether 200 includes a buckle 206adjustably attached to a nylon strap 208. Buckle 206 provides twoprimary functions. First, buckle 206 allows strap 208 to be quicklyattached and detached from objects. Second, buckle 206 allows strap 208to be cinched tightly around objects of varying geometries and/ordimensions. Buckle 206 includes a male portion 210 that selectivelyengages a complementary female portion 212. Portion 210 includes a setof slots 214, through which a first end 216 of strap 208 is adjustablydisposed. Likewise, portion 212 includes a set of slots 218, throughwhich a second end 220 of strap 208 is adjustably disposed. By pullingends 216 and/or 220, the intermediate region 222 of strap 208, whichforms a loop, is shortened, thereby tightening tether 200 around anobject. The configuration of slots 214 and 218 ensures that forceimparted on strap 208 by an object secured therein will not loosen strap208 with respect to buckle 206. To loosen strap 208 from an object, theuser may urge one or both of open ends 216 and 220 back through therespective set of slots 214 and 218. Optionally, separating portions 210and 212 of buckle 206 from one another will release strap 208 from theobject to which it is secured. By separating portions 210 and 212 first,the adjustable length of intermediate region 222, or otherwise workinglength of strap 208, can be more easily adjusted.

Frame 202 is configured to be coupled between tether 200 and attachmentdevice 204. Specifically, frame 202 includes a first side 224 and anopposite second side 226, which are configured to be coupled to tether200 and attachment device 204, respectively. First side 224 includes ananchor 228 that facilitates the mounting of tether 200 to frame 202. Inthis embodiment, anchor 228 includes a first set of raised, slottedapertures 230 and a second set of raised, slotted apertures 232 (e.g.,raised bridges). During assembly (or later during use), intermediateregion 222 of strap 208 is disposed through both apertures 230.Accordingly, apertures 230 are aligned with one another to positionstrap 208 to extend in a first direction. Optionally, intermediateregion 222 of strap 208 may be disposed through both of apertures 232,which are aligned with one another to position strap 208 in a seconddirection that is perpendicular to the aforementioned first direction.As another option, intermediate region 222 of strap 208 may be disposedthrough both apertures 230 while a second tether is disposed throughboth apertures 232. As yet another option, four tethers may besimultaneously coupled to frame 202 by disposing a tether through eachrespective one of the four apertures 230 and 232. Frame 202 furtherincludes an aperture 234 that facilitates the mounting of attachmentdevice 204 to second side 226 of frame 202.

In this particular example, frame 202 is a monolithic structure formedfrom molded plastic. However, those skilled in the art will recognizethat frame 202 may have alternate geometric features and/or may beformed from alternate materials. For example, frame 202 may be formedfrom a metal blank that is stamped into shape. As another option, thecylindrical wall of frame 202 may be made polygonal, instead ofcylindrical. As the number of polygonal sides increases, the shape ofthe polygonal wall will approach that of the cylindrical wall shown.

Attachment device 204 facilitates the attachment of device 100 toferrous objects such as, for example, the interior of a steel truck bed,steel trailer structures, I-beams, steel plates, and so on. Attachmentdevice 204 is removably attached to side 226 of frame 202 with alock-nut 236 and a bolt 238. More specifically, when device 100 isassembled, bolt 238 is simultaneously disposed through an aperture 240of attachment device 204 and aperture 234 of frame 202, and lock-nut 236is tightened onto bolt 238.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of attachment device 204, lock-nut236, and bolt 238, which are shown exploded from frame 202. In thisexample embodiment, attachment device 204 is a pot magnet, including anannular core magnet 300 and an optional rare earth magnet 302 seated ina ferrous shell 304 and fixed therein with an adhesive 306. Magnet 300provides the magnetic field that attaches/attracts attachment device 204to ferrous objects. In this example, magnet 300 is ceramic magnet butmay optionally be a ferrite magnet. Shell 304 protects magnet 300 andalso increases the pulling force of attachment device 204 by altering(e.g. concentrating, redirecting, focusing, etc.) its magnetic field.Rare earth magnet 302 increases the pulling force of attachment device204 to further prevent attachment device 204 from inadvertentlydetaching from the ferrous object to which it is attached during use.Rare earth magnet 302 also helps to coaxially position magnet 300 withrespect to aperture 240 of shell 304. Rare earth magnet 302 is alsofixed to magnet 300 via adhesive 306. When assembled with frame 202,attachment device 204 is seated in a recess 308 formed on side 226 offrame 202 and fixed therein via lock-nut 236 and bolt 238.

Optionally, attachment device 204 includes a magnet cover 310 thatprevents attachment device 204 from scratching the surface of an objectto which device 100 is magnetically attached. Cover 310 is a plasticdisk having an aperture 312 passing therethrough. Aperture 312 allowslock-nut 236 to pass through cover 310 during the assembly (or futuredisassembly) of device 100. To prevent scratching, the plastic of cover310 is softer than magnet 300, but rigid enough to prevent curling andbunching if attachment device is slid along the surface to which it ismagnetically attached.

Because different practical applications require different strength ofattachment and/or ease of removal, attachment device 204 is not limitedto any single magnet configuration. For example, in some applicationsthat do not require maximum pulling force, attachment device 204includes only a single ceramic or ferrite magnet 300, without anadditional magnet. In this single magnet configuration, attachmentdevice 204 provides approximately 115 lbs. of pulling force. Inapplications where moderate pulling force is required, attachment device204 additionally includes rare earth magnet 302, which together with themain core magnet 300 (e.g., ceramic, ferrite, etc.), providesapproximately 165 lbs. of pulling force. Rare earth magnet 302 providesabout an additional 50 lbs. of pulling force. For applications thatrequire even more pulling force, the main core magnet 300 may besubstituted with an equal size and shape rare earth magnet, whichprovides an approximate pulling force of 190 lbs.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of tether 200 shown assembled with strap208 disposed through apertures 230. Although tether 200 is coupled toframe 202 when strap 208 is disposed through apertures 230, strap 208 isstill free to move within apertures 230. As a result, strap 208 does notget worn over long-term use as compared to securing devices that havestraps screwed directly to an attachment device. As another advantage,the position of buckle 206 with respect to frame 202 can be easilyadjusted to accommodate different object securing scenarios.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of assembled frame 202, attachmentdevice 204, lock-nut 236, and bolt 238, taken along Line A-A of FIG. 4.As shown, the depth of recess 308 is less than the height of shell 304.As a result, the bottom surface 500 of shell 304 protrudes slightly fromside 226 of frame 202. This allows attachment device 204 to get closerto a ferrous surface for attachment and, therefore, provides increasedpulling force to restrain cargo secured thereto.

As shown, the thickness of magnet cover 310 is greater than the distancebetween bottom surface 500 of shell 304 and the bottom surface 502 ofmagnet 300. This prevents bottom surface 500 of shell 304 from directlycontacting and scratching the surface of the ferrous object to whichdevice 100 is magnetically attached. Of course, cover 310 also preventssurface 502 of magnet 300 from directly contacting and scratching thesurface of the ferrous object to which device 100 is magneticallyattached. Cover 310 may be temporarily or permanently attached tosurface 502 of magnet 300 by, for example, an adhesive. Accordingly, thebackside of cover 310 may include an adhesive layer formed thereon. Asanother option, cover 310 can be enlarged slightly to also cover surface500 of shell 304.

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded, front perspective view of an alternatemagnetic securing device 600, which includes an alternate magnet cover602, lock-nut 236, bolt 238, an alternate magnetic attachment device204A, and frame 202. During assembly, device 600 is seated in the rearside 604 (shown in FIG. 7) of cover 602, and lock-nut 236 is seated in ahexagonal recess 606 formed on the opposite front side 608 of cover 602.Then, cover 602, having magnetic attachment device 204A seated therein,is seated in recess 308 of frame 202. Finally, bolt 238 is disposedthrough aperture 234 of frame 202, though aperture 610 (shown in FIG. 7)of magnetic attachment device 204A, through aperture 612 (shown in FIG.7) of cover 602, and threaded into lock-nut 236. The hexagonal recess606 prevents lock-nut 236 from rotating, as bolt 238 is threaded intolock-nut 236. Accordingly, bolt 238 can be threaded into lock-nut 236with a single tool (e.g. hex wrench).

Alternate magnetic attachment device 204A is substantially similar toattachment device 204, except that the outer diameter of device 204A isslightly less than that of attachment device 204. This allows a portion(the cylindrical wall) of cover 602 to be disposed between the outersurface of attachment device 204 and the inner surface of frame 202.Magnetic attachment device 204A includes an annular core magnet 614 andan optional rare earth magnet 616 coaxially aligned with one another andseated in a ferrous shell 618. Magnet 614 and magnet 616 are fixed inshell 618 with an adhesive 620. Magnet 616 is also annular and definesan interior space 622 that seats a portion of cover 602, as is shown inmore detail in FIGS. 7-8.

Magnet cover 602 prevents attachment device 204A from scratching ferrousobjects to which magnetic securing device 600 is attached. For example,when securing device 600 is magnetically attached to the interiorpainted surface of a truck bed, magnet cover 602 prevents magneticattachment device 204A from scratching it, because cover 602 is softerthan the painted finish. Frame 202 and magnetic device 204A canoptionally be assembled without cover 602 to achieve a greater pullingforce from magnetic device 600, in applications where scratching is nota concern. In this example embodiment, cover 602 is a monolithicstructure formed, for example, by injection molding a rigid,low-friction plastic. The plastic material used to form cover 602 issofter than magnetic device 600 and, therefore, reduces the possibilityof scratching.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of magnetic device 204A, magnet cover602, lock-nut 236, and bolt 238, shown exploded from frame 202. Asshown, the rear side of magnet cover 602 defines a recess 700, which isconfigured to seat magnetic device 204A therein. Recess 700 is definedby an outer cylindrical wall 702 and an inner cylindrical wall 704.Outer cylindrical wall 702 extends from the circumferential (peripheral)edge of circular cover 602. Further, the interior surface 706 of outerwall 702 is configured to closely receive the round, outer peripheralsurface 708 of magnetic device 204A, while the exterior surface 710 ofouter wall 702 is configured to closely seat within the interior surfaceof frame 202. Inner wall 704 is disposed in the center of recess 700 andis configured to be inserted into space 622 of magnet 616 (FIG. 6).

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of bolt 238, frame 202, magnetic device204A, magnet cover 602, and lock-nut 236 taken along line B-B of FIG. 7,after assembly. When assembled, magnet device 204A is seated in recess700 (shown in FIG. 7) of cover 602, while cover 602 is seated in recess308 (shown in FIG. 6) of frame 202, such that magnet device 204A isenclosed between frame 202 and magnet cover 602. Further, frame 202 andmagnet cover 602 are fixed together with bolt 238 and lock-nut 236. Inthe drawings, the thickness of cover 602 is exaggerated for illustrativepurposes. Although cover 602 is not limited to a particular thickness,the inventor has achieved good results when the thickness of cover 602is approximately 1.0 mm.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of device 100, wherein asuction cup 900 is substituted for magnetic attachment device 204 andlock-nut 236. Suction cup 900 facilitates the mounting of device 100 toa flat surface. Suction cup 900 includes a female threaded aperture 902that facilitates the mounting of suction cup 900 to frame 202. Duringthe attachment of suction cup 900 to frame 202, bolt 238 is disposedthrough aperture 234 of frame 202 and then the male threads of bolt 238are threaded into a complimentary set of female threads of threadedaperture 902. Optionally, a metal anchor can be molded into suction cup900 to provide a stronger base for the female threads. When assembled,frame 202 is disposed between the head of bolt 338 and suction cup 900while the head of bolt 238 is disposed between frame 202 and strap 208.Suction cup 900 further includes a suction body 904 that provides thesuction force used to attach suction cup 900 to a flat surface. Body 904includes a nipple 906 that facilitates the removal of suction cup 900from a flat surface.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of assembled frame 202, bolt 238, andsuction cup 900, taken along Line C-C of FIG. 9. Suction cup 900 is aresilient body formed, for example, from a rubberized material (e.g.,rubber, silicone, etc.) formed around a rigid threaded insert 1000.Although not shown, rigid threaded insert 1000 can include wings orother structures that extend outwardly, further into a standoff portion1002 of suction cup 900. When device 100 is assembled with suction cup900, suction body 904 is positioned completely out of recess 308 toallow the user to access suction body 904 when suction cup 900 isattached to a flat surface and to allow the compression of suction cup900 toward the flat surface. For example, standoff portion 1002 spacessuction body 904 away from frame 202. In this particular example, theheight of standoff portion 1002 is greater than the depth of recess 308.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart summarizing a method 1100 of manufacturing acargo securing device. In a first step 1102, a frame is provided. Then,in a second step 1104, a tether is provided. Next, in a third step 1106,an attachment device is provided. Then, in a fourth step 1108, theattachment device is coupled to the frame. Finally, in a fifth step1110, the tether is coupled to the frame, after the attachment device iscoupled to the frame.

The description of particular embodiments of the present invention isnow complete. Many of the described features may be substituted, alteredor omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. Forexample, alternate tethers (e.g., ratchet strap, bungee cords, cinchstraps, etc.), may be substituted for the buck and strap. As anotherexample, the cargo securing device may include multiple magnets and/ordifferent combinations of magnets to facilitate the selective attachmentto a ferrous surface. These and other deviations from the particularembodiments shown will be apparent to those skilled in the art,particularly in view of the foregoing disclosure.

I claim:
 1. A securing device comprising: a frame including an anchor; afirst tether coupled to said anchor of said frame, said first tetherbeing configured to be removably attached to an object; an attachmentdevice coupled to said frame, said attachment device including a firstmagnet and a second magnet and being configured to be removably attacheddirectly to a planar surface; and wherein said first magnet is annularand defines an interior space, and said second magnet is disposed insaid interior space of said first magnet.
 2. The securing device ofclaim 1, wherein: said anchor includes at least a first aperture formedthrough said frame; said first tether is disposed through said firstaperture; said first aperture is configured to position said firsttether to extend in a first direction.
 3. The securing device of claim2, wherein: said securing device includes a second tether configured tobe removably attached to an object; said anchor includes at least asecond aperture formed through said frame; said second tether isdisposed through said second aperture; and said second aperture isconfigured to position said tether to extend in a second direction. 4.The securing device of claim 3, wherein: said anchor includes a thirdaperture formed through said frame; said third aperture is aligned withsaid first aperture; said first tether is disposed through said firstaperture and said third aperture; said anchor includes a fourth apertureformed through said frame; said fourth aperture is aligned with saidsecond aperture; and said second tether is disposed through said secondaperture and said fourth aperture.
 5. The securing device of claim 3,wherein said first direction is perpendicular to said second direction.6. The securing device of claim 1, wherein: said tether includes a firstportion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion disposed betweensaid first portion and said second portion; said intermediate portion ofsaid tether is coupled to said anchor; said tether includes a couplerconfigured to removably attach said first portion of said tether to saidsecond portion of said tether.
 7. The securing device of claim 6,wherein: said tether is a strap; said coupler is a buckle having a firstportion attached to said first portion of said tether and acomplimentary second portion attached to said second portion of saidtether; the position of said first portion of said coupler along saidfirst portion of said tether is adjustable.
 8. The securing device ofclaim 1, wherein said tether is movable with respect to said anchor ofsaid frame when said tether is coupled to said anchor of said frame. 9.The securing device of claim 1, further comprising a substituteattachment device, and wherein: said substitute attachment deviceincludes a suction cup; said first magnet and said second magnet areselectively removable from said frame; said suction cup is configured tobe selectively attached to said frame when said first magnet and saidsecond magnet are removed from said frame; and said first magnet andsaid second magnet are configured to be selectively reattached to saidframe when said suction cup is removed from said frame.
 10. The securingdevice of claim 1, wherein said attachment device further includes aferrous shell configured to increase the pulling force of at least oneof said first magnet and said second magnet.
 11. The securing device ofclaim 1, further comprising a cover disposed over said first magnet toprevent said magnet from scratching said planar surface to which saidsecuring device is to be magnetically attached, said cover being formedout of a material that is softer than said first magnet.
 12. Thesecuring device of claim 11, wherein: said cover includes a first sideconfigured to abut said planar surface; said cover includes a secondside opposite said first side, said second side defining a recessconfigured to receive said first magnet; and said first magnet isdisposed between said frame and said cover.
 13. The securing device ofclaim 12, wherein at least a portion of said cover is disposed betweensaid first magnet and said frame.
 14. The securing device of claim 1,wherein: said frame includes a first side and an opposite second side;said tether is coupled to said first side of said frame; and saidattachment device is coupled to said second side of said frame.
 15. Thesecuring device of claim 1, wherein: said frame is a monolithicstructure; said anchor includes at least one slot formed in saidmonolithic structure; and said tether is a strap disposed through saidat least one slot.
 16. The securing device of claim 15, wherein saidframe is molded plastic.
 17. The securing device of claim 15, whereinsaid frame includes a recess configured to receive said attachmentdevice.
 18. The securing device of claim 1, wherein: said frame includesa circular base and a cylindrical wall extending from a circumferentialedge of said circular base, said cylindrical wall and a first surface ofsaid circular base defining a receiving space configured to receive saidattachment device; said attachment device includes a ferrous shell, saidferrous shell having a circular base and a cylindrical wall extendingfrom a circumferential edge of said circular base, a first surface ofsaid circular base of said ferrous shell and said cylindrical wall ofsaid ferrous shell defining a receiving space configured to receive saidannular first magnet therein; said anchor includes a raised bridgestructure extending from a second side of said circular base of saidframe opposite said first side; said annular first magnet is fixedwithin said receiving space of said ferrous shell; and said attachmentdevice is fixed within said receiving space of said frame.
 19. Thesecuring device of claim 18, further comprising: a cover including acircular base and a cylindrical wall extending from a circumferentialedge of said circular base, said cylindrical wall and a first surface ofsaid circular base of said cover defining a receiving space configuredto closely receive said attachment device therein, said cover includinga contact surface opposite said first surface of said circular base,said contact surface disposed to abut said planar surface when saidattachment device magnetically engages said planar surface through saidcover; and wherein a circumference of said cylindrical wall of saidcover is smaller than a circumference of said cylindrical wall of saidframe; said circumference of said cylindrical wall of said cover islarger than a circumference of said cylindrical wall of said ferrousshell; said cylindrical wall of said cover is disposed between saidcylindrical wall of said ferrous shell and said cylindrical wall of saidframe, when said cover, said frame, and said attachment device arecoupled together; and said attachment device is disposed between saidcircular base of said of said frame and said circular base of saidcover, when said cover, said frame, and said attachment device arecoupled together.
 20. A securing device comprising: a frame including ananchor; a first tether coupled to said anchor of said frame, said firsttether being configured to be removably attached to an object; anattachment device coupled to said frame, said attachment deviceincluding a first magnet and being configured to be removably attacheddirectly to a planar surface; and a cover disposed over said firstmagnet to prevent said magnet from scratching said planar surface towhich said securing device is to be magnetically attached, said coverbeing formed out of a material that is softer than said first magnet.21. The securing device of claim 20, wherein: said anchor includes atleast a first aperture formed through said frame; said first tether isdisposed through said first aperture; said first aperture is configuredto position said first tether to extend in a first direction.
 22. Thesecuring device of claim 21, wherein: said securing device includes asecond tether configured to be removably attached to an object; saidanchor includes at least a second aperture formed through said frame;said second tether is disposed through said second aperture; and saidsecond aperture is configured to position said tether to extend in asecond direction.
 23. The securing device of claim 22, wherein: saidanchor includes a third aperture formed through said frame; said thirdaperture is aligned with said first aperture; said first tether isdisposed through said first aperture and said third aperture; saidanchor includes a fourth aperture formed through said frame; said fourthaperture is aligned with said second aperture; and said second tether isdisposed through said second aperture and said fourth aperture.
 24. Thesecuring device of claim 22, wherein said first direction isperpendicular to said second direction.
 25. The securing device of claim20, wherein: said tether includes a first portion, a second portion, andan intermediate portion disposed between said first portion and saidsecond portion; said intermediate portion of said tether is coupled tosaid anchor; said tether includes a coupler configured to removablyattach said first portion of said tether to said second portion of saidtether.
 26. The securing device of claim 25, wherein: said tether is astrap; said coupler is a buckle having a first portion attached to saidfirst portion of said tether and a complimentary second portion attachedto said second portion of said tether; the position of said firstportion of said coupler along said first portion of said tether isadjustable.
 27. The securing device of claim 20, wherein said tether ismovable with respect to said anchor of said frame when said tether iscoupled to said anchor of said frame.
 28. The securing device of claim20, further comprising a substitute attachment device, and wherein: saidsubstitute attachment device includes a suction cup; said first magnetis selectively removable from said frame; said suction cup is configuredto be selectively attached to said frame when said first magnet isremoved from said frame; and said first magnet is configured to beselectively reattached to said frame when said suction cup is removedfrom said frame.
 29. The securing device of claim 20, wherein saidattachment device further includes a ferrous shell configured toincrease the pulling force of said magnet.
 30. The securing device ofclaim 20, wherein said attachment device further includes a secondmagnet.
 31. The securing device of claim 20, wherein: said coverincludes a first side configured to abut said planar surface; said coverincludes a second side opposite said first side, said second sidedefining a recess configured to receive said first magnet; and saidfirst magnet is disposed between said frame and said cover.
 32. Thesecuring device of claim 31, wherein at least a portion of said cover isdisposed between said first magnet and said frame.
 33. The securingdevice of claim 20, wherein: said frame includes a first side and anopposite second side; said tether is coupled to said first side of saidframe; and said attachment device is coupled to said second side of saidframe.
 34. The securing device of claim 20, wherein: said frame is amonolithic structure; said anchor includes at least one slot formed insaid monolithic structure; and said tether is a strap disposed throughsaid at least one slot.
 35. The securing device of claim 34, whereinsaid frame is molded plastic.
 36. The securing device of claim 34,wherein said frame includes a recess configured to receive saidattachment device.
 37. The securing device of claim 20, wherein: saidframe includes a circular base and a cylindrical wall extending from acircumferential edge of said circular base, said cylindrical wall and afirst surface of said circular base defining a receiving spaceconfigured to receive said attachment device; said attachment deviceincludes a ferrous shell and an annular magnet, said ferrous shellhaving a circular base and a cylindrical wall extending from acircumferential edge of said circular base, a first surface of saidcircular base of said ferrous shell and said cylindrical wall of saidferrous shell defining a receiving space configured to receive saidannular magnet therein; said anchor includes a raised bridge structureextending from a second side of said circular base of said frameopposite said first side; said annular magnet is fixed within saidreceiving space of said ferrous shell; and said attachment device isfixed within said receiving space of said frame.
 38. The securing deviceof claim 37, further comprising: a cover including a circular base and acylindrical wall extending from a circumferential edge of said circularbase, said cylindrical wall and a first surface of said circular base ofsaid cover defining a receiving space configured to closely receive saidattachment device therein, said cover including a contact surfaceopposite said first surface of said circular base, said contact surfacedisposed to abut said planar surface when said attachment devicemagnetically engages said planar surface through said cover; and whereina circumference of said cylindrical wall of said cover is smaller than acircumference of said cylindrical wall of said frame; said circumferenceof said cylindrical wall of said cover is larger than a circumference ofsaid cylindrical wall of said ferrous shell; said cylindrical wall ofsaid cover is disposed between said cylindrical wall of said ferrousshell and said cylindrical wall of said frame, when said cover, saidframe, and said attachment device are coupled together; and saidattachment device is disposed between said circular base of said of saidframe and said circular base of said cover, when said cover, said frame,and said attachment device are coupled together.
 39. A securing devicecomprising: a frame including an anchor; a first tether coupled to saidanchor of said frame, said first tether being configured to be removablyattached to an object; and an attachment device coupled to said frame,said attachment device being configured to be removably attacheddirectly to a planar surface; and wherein said frame includes a circularbase and a cylindrical wall extending from a circumferential edge ofsaid circular base, said cylindrical wall and a first surface of saidcircular base defining a receiving space configured to receive saidattachment device; said attachment device includes a ferrous shell andan annular magnet, said ferrous shell having a circular base and acylindrical wall extending from a circumferential edge of said circularbase, a first surface of said circular base of said ferrous shell andsaid cylindrical wall of said ferrous shell defining a receiving spaceconfigured to receive said annular magnet therein; said anchor includesa raised bridge structure extending from a second side of said circularbase of said frame opposite said first side; said annular magnet isfixed within said receiving space of said ferrous shell; and saidattachment device is fixed within said receiving space of said frame.40. The securing device of claim 39, further comprising: a coverincluding a circular base and a cylindrical wall extending from acircumferential edge of said circular base, said cylindrical wall and afirst surface of said circular base of said cover defining a receivingspace configured to closely receive said attachment device therein, saidcover including a contact surface opposite said first surface of saidcircular base, said contact surface disposed to abut said planar surfacewhen said attachment device magnetically engages said planar surfacethrough said cover; and wherein a circumference of said cylindrical wallof said cover is smaller than a circumference of said cylindrical wallof said frame; said circumference of said cylindrical wall of said coveris larger than a circumference of said cylindrical wall of said ferrousshell; said cylindrical wall of said cover is disposed between saidcylindrical wall of said ferrous shell and said cylindrical wall of saidframe, when said cover, said frame, and said attachment device arecoupled together; and said attachment device is disposed between saidcircular base of said of said frame and said circular base of saidcover, when said cover, said frame, and said attachment device arecoupled together.